Contempt Actions

Contempt in family law arises when one party fails to do an obligation ordered by the court. This usually occurs when a party has failed to comply by the terms of a settlement agreement, parenting plan, or order in previous litigation. The most frequent type of contempt is failure to pay child support or alimony under a previously entered agreement or order.

There are several recourses the court may use to correct the contemptible action including suspension of license, incarceration and purge payments.

It is important to have an attorney in these actions to make sure prosecution of the contempt is thoroughly addressed as well as defending a contempt action against you as the possible outcome of a contempt action could result in jail time.